Reasons to Add Middlesex Water Stock to Your Portfolio Right Away

Middlesex Water Company’s MSEX strategic investments should help support future growth and expand its customer base. The company benefits from acquisitions by expanding its operations. Given its growth opportunities, Middlesex Water makes for a solid investment option in the utility sector.Let’s focus on the factors that make this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company a strong investment option at the moment.MSEX’s Growth Projections & Surprise HistoryThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings per share (EPS) has moved up 4.5% in the past 90 days to $2.53.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 revenues is pinned at $200 million, implying a year-over-year increase of 4.2%.MSEX’s long-term (three to five years) earnings growth rate is 6.1%. The company delivered an average earnings surprise of 11% for the trailing four quarters.Debt Position of MSEXMiddlesex Water’s total debt to capital is 44.34%, better than the industry’s average of 56.04%.The time-to-interest earned ratio at the end of the first quarter of 2025 was 4.7. The ratio, being greater than one, reflects the company’s ability to meet future interest obligations without difficulties.MSEX’s Dividend HistoryMiddlesex Water been consistently paying dividends and increasing its shareholders’ value. The company has raised its dividend for 52 consecutive years. Currently, its quarterly dividend is 34 cents per share, resulting in an annualized dividend of $1.36. Its current dividend yield is 2.37%, better than the Zacks S&P 500 composite’s 1.25%.  MSEX Gains From Strategic Investments & AcquisitionsMiddlesex Water plans to invest approximately $387 million in its water and wastewater infrastructure over the next three years. This investment is aimed at upgrading and enhancing the reliability of the company's existing infrastructure to better serve its customers.The company aims to expand its operations through acquisitions. In April 2025, MSEX’s unit Tidewater Utilities, Inc. acquired the water assets of the Town of Ocean View (“TOV”) in Sussex County, DE, for $4.6 million. The acquisition of TOV’s assets will expand Middlesex Water’s operation in Delaware and add 900 customers to its existing base.MSEX’s Stock Price PerformanceYear to date, the company has returned 9.1% compared with the sector’s 8.1% growth. Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchOther Stocks to ConsiderA few other top-ranked stocks from the same sector are Artesian Resources ARTNA, sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present, and Evergy EVRG and Exelon Corporation EXC, both holding a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ARTNA’s 2025 EPS is pegged at $2.16, implying a year-over-year improvement of 9.1%. The company delivered an average earnings surprise of 18.6% in the last four quarters.EVRG’s long-term earnings growth rate is 5.7%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 EPS is pegged at $4.03, indicating a year-over-year improvement of 5.8%.EXC’s long-term earnings growth rate is 6.42%. The company delivered an average earnings surprise of 10.1% for the trailing four quarters. Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.This top pick is among the most innovative financial firms. With a fast-growing customer base (already 50+ million) and a diverse set of cutting edge solutions, this stock is poised for big gains. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpWant the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Exelon Corporation (EXC): Free Stock Analysis Report Middlesex Water Company (MSEX): Free Stock Analysis Report Artesian Resources Corporation (ARTNA): Free Stock Analysis Report Evergy Inc. (EVRG): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks